On Wednesday evening an esteemed group of Spectator subscribers gathered in London for the latest Coffee House Shots live event, where editor Michael Gove interviewed Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf and former Conservative MP Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg. The discussion focused on last week’s local elections, what they mean for both Labour and the Conservatives, and how Reform plans to build on its support. And on the subject of future planning, when quizzed whether he could see himself coming back to frontline politics, Rees-Mogg hinted he wouldn’t be opposed to making a return…
When quizzed whether he could see himself coming back to frontline politics, Rees-Mogg hinted he wouldn’t be opposed to making a return…
The Tory grandee left parliament in July after 14 years of representing the constituents of North East Somerset. But a rather curious opportunity looks set to arise, after it emerged last month that Labour man and former West of England mayor Dan Norris – who won the North East Somerset and Hanham seat in the July election – had been arrested on suspicion of rape and child sex offences. Norris has since been suspended from the party and the police probe remains ongoing. It raises the possibility of a by-election in the seat and now questions are being asked about who exactly could stand…
‘If such an eventuality were to arise, might you?’ Gove quizzed the former Conservative politician. ‘Oh, look, I loved being in the House of Commons,’ Sir Jacob replied pleasantly, before going on:
I think the thing is, there is so much to be done. This country is being so appallingly governed at the moment, and I’m champing at the bit to see us better governed. And what do we learn from Trump? We learn from Trump that you can use executive power to do what you promised. And if only we could have a government that would come in and do what it promised. That would be such an exciting thing to be a supporter of a cheerleader for. So, yeah, I’d love to get back.
How very interesting. Turning to Yusuf, Gove asked mischievously: ‘If we have a by election in North East Somerset, surely Reform must stand aside for Jacob? As you yourself said, the House of Commons would be better off with him in it…’. ‘Well, Jacob hasn’t yet put himself forward to be the Reform candidate for that seat,’ the party chairman quipped. Touché!
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